Waltham Abbey slipped away from the playoff spots in the Bostik League South Central Division after a 2-0 loss away at struggling Molesey.

Second half-goals from Dre Grobler and Ashley Lodge secured a vital three points for the hosts in their bid to avoid relegation, while Abbey have a real fight on their hands to get back into the playoff spots in the few games that remain.

An uninspiring first half ended goalless, put seven minutes into the second period, the first goal arrived when South African midfielder Dre Grobler netted.

Abbey hunted for a way back into the game, desperately needing the points to close the gap on Westfield in fifth, but 20 minutes later it became evident that it was not going to be their day when Ashley Lodge scored the second.

The result means Molesey are now just two points from safety, while it leaves Abbey eighth in the table with five games to go, the next of which is at home to Marlow this Saturday at 3pm.